"If you have so much courage...then go and kill a couple of policemen. Patels never commit suicide," Hardik said in Surat, speaking to a local youth, Vipul Desai, who had announced that he would commit suicide in support of the agitation. However, later, Hardik clarified that he meant no harm. The Gujarat Police had then said that the young leader's provocative and insensible statement regarding killing cops violated limits of law.

Hardik and the police have come in direct confrontation ever since the August 25 rally in Ahmedabad. Hardik has gunned for action against cops for allegedly killing nine Patidars in the post-rally violence.

Earlier, apprehending a potential law and order situation, Surat Police detained Patidars leader Hardik Patel and at least 50 of his supporters when they attempted to launch an 'Ekta Rally' in Surat on Saturday morning, officials said.

&quot;The Gujarat government is provoking violence though ours is a peaceful agitation. We request the people of the state for support. We are not against any community, but just fighting to get reservations for our community,&quot; Patel said.

Saturday&#39;s &#39;Ekta Rally&#39; was thrown a challenge by the opposing OBC Ekta Manch, which threatened to take out a &#39;Pratikar Rally&#39; protesting against the reservations sought by the Patidars.